What to expect: From its palatial porte cochere to its two-story oceanfront spa, Acqualina boasts an atmosphere of complete luxury. The hotel's public areas are decorated with wrought iron, arched doorways, domed ceilings, and intricate woodwork. Other luxurious touches include cascading waterfalls, 24-hour room service, and oceanfront restaurants.

Amenity highlights: With two on-site restaurants, three swimming pools, and a complimentary 20,000-square-foot spa, Acqualina does not lack for amenities. Additional highlights include poolside beverage service, private beachfront cabanas (surcharge), and 24-hour multilingual concierge service. The hotel also offers a daily children's program (surcharge) that includes swimming, games, and educational classes.

Insider tip: Oleta River State Park, only 2.25 miles from the hotel, is the largest urban park in the state. It's home to mountain biking trails, small coastal waterways, a large mangrove forest, and a 1,200-foot white-sand beach. Kayak and mountain bike rentals are available at the Blue Moon Outdoor Center, which is located in the park.

What to expect: Le Meridien Sunny Isles Beach overlooks the ocean on the northern end of Miami Beach. A two-story lobby with mezzanine, ultra-modern decor, and beachfront floor-to-ceiling windows provides a dramatic backdrop for vacationers seeking a quiet spot convenient to the shops, sights, and nightlife of the busier parts of the coast. A 30-seat lobby bar attracts guests.

Amenity highlights: The 6,000-square-foot Le Spa offers a signature Caviar Facial, Ocean Wraps, and Swedish massage, as well as hair, nail, and body treatments. The BiCE restaurant, featuring Milanese cuisine, offers patio and indoor dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Insider tip: The Neptune Fishing Pier is a half-mile from the hotel. Rods, reels, and bait are available (surcharge), and the ever-present pelicans provide company for leisurely fishing.

What to expect: This 31-story resort sits on Collins Avenue overlooking the white-sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort evokes the retro feel of classic Miami Beach hotels. With a continuous curved design, huge pillars, and a soaring 25-story ceiling, the lobby welcomes business and leisure travelers. There are l,000 works of art throughout the hotel.

Amenity highlights: The centerpiece of the resort is a water complex overlooking a beach with a freeform pool, waterfalls, spa tubs, and cabanas (surcharge). The 8,000-square-foot Aquanox Spa offers therapeutic massages, skin care, and body treatments (surcharge), as well as a fitness center with cardio equipment. The resort provides the supervised Just Us Kids program (surcharge).

Insider tip: The Trump International Beach Resort houses the $5 million American Classics Collection, which includes classic cars and memorabilia such as gas pumps, road signs, and posters. Complimentary tours can be arranged through the resort concierge.